PLENTY-Life

The PLENTY-LIFE project is hosting two significant events in Timiș County this September 2024, aimed at enhancing sustainable urban and energy planning. These sessions will help shape strategies for a cleaner energy future. 📅 September 11, 2024 – Sustainable Urban & Energy Spatial Planning 📅 September 19, 2024 – Integrated Energy Planning & Vision Workshop If you're passionate about the region’s sustainable energy future, join us in these discussions and Q&A sessions. Register here: https://lnkd.in/dwCx6Amr #CleanEnergy #Sustainability #UrbanPlanning #PLENTYLIFE

We are thrilled to share more details about the second Austrian pilot city in the PLENTY-Life project, the Municipality of Horn 🌍, where strategies are being developed to advance the Clean Energy Transition 🔋. Located in Lower Austria, north-west of Vienna, in the Waldviertel region 🌲, Horn is characterized by a high share of forestry and agriculture 🚜. With a population of 6,502 inhabitants in 2023, Horn is the second smallest pilot municipality in the PLENTY-Life project 🏙️. In 2019, Horn's total final energy consumption was around 220,400 MWh, with nearly two-thirds coming from mobility of people (31.6%) and households (30.4%). The ‘mobility of people’ sector, due to its heavy reliance on fossil fuels, contributes significantly to local emissions (44.6%) 🌫️, followed by households with 21.5% 🏠. Horn is making strides in renewable energy 🌞 with photovoltaic systems and biomass local heating plants 🔥, and is expanding its electromobility options 🚲. Energy Policy Horn is actively working on the ‘Horn Renewable Energy Community’ project, aiming to enable collective local electricity production 🌟. New photovoltaic systems are being installed on public rooftops as part of a citizen participation model 🏢. As part of the KLAR! REGION HORN 🌱, Horn collaborates with 14 other municipalities to address climate change and develop regional adaptation strategies to ensure a high quality of life for future generations 🌟. In 2018, Horn joined the Austrian government's e5 programme for energy-efficient municipalities 🏆. Recognized for its commitment to sustainable development, Horn achieved three out of five ‘e’ in 2020, with an implementation rate of 51.9% 📊. Key Challenges and Priority Actions Decarbonizing the local energy system presents challenges, particularly in the household and mobility sectors 🔋🚗. Although the rail connection to Vienna is currently moderate with a journey time of 1.5 hours and one train change 🚆, a direct connection is expected by 2030, which will reduce travel time by 15 minutes and eliminate the need to change trains ⏳. Additionally, the local mobility offer, including feeder services to the train station, is challenged by the dependence on motorized private transport 🚗. Stay tuned as we continue to work towards a sustainable future with the Municipality of Horn! 🌍✨

🌍🔋Discover how the Municipality of Eggenburg is tackling energy consumption and advancing sustainability as part of the PLENTY-Life project! ⚡Eggenburg’s total final energy consumption reached in 2019 around 98,700 MWh , distributed to 38.9% for households 🏠, and 28.9% for the mobility of people 🚗, accounting for more than two-thirds of it. Due to its high amount of fossil fuel, the sector ‘mobility of people’ shows the highest contribution to local emissions (42.0%) 🌫️, followed by households with 28.1% 🏡. In Eggenburg, renewable energy 🌞 is generated with the help of photovoltaic systems, one biogas plant 🌱, biomass local heating plants 🔥, and electromobility is being expanded ⚡🚲. Energy policy The revised Local Development Programme is currently under review 🔍 and deals with spatially relevant issues of the present situation and future development. Local climate and energy policy is an integral part of it 🌍. With the local development concept, fundamental statements are made on the intended development of the municipality and concretized in sub-concepts on various sectoral topics (including settlement concept, infrastructure and transport concept, business premises concept, landscape concept, energy and climate concept) 📈. ⚡The municipality of Eggenburg has been a member of the Regional Energy Community (REC) Region Umspannwerk Eggenburg since 2023. Five municipalities cooperate in the REC, whose municipal areas are supplied by the Eggenburg substation.🌍 🌱Together with 14 other municipalities, Eggenburg forms the KLAR! REGION HORN, to address climate change and develop adaptation strategies on a regional level and to ensure a high quality of life for future generations 🌟. 🌍Eggenburg has been a Climate Alliance municipality since December 2000. Climate Alliance municipalities are committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions (especially CO2) 🌿 and avoiding the use of tropical timber. For the municipality, this primarily means using energy carefully 🔋. Key challenges and priority actions A particular challenge with regard to the decarbonization of the local energy system is the energy demand in the household and mobility sector 🔋🚗. 🔥The biomass-based district heating system represents a potential for the expansion of renewable heat supply, but is in competition with natural gas supply 🌿. In the field of mobility, frequent railway connections in the direction of Vienna (1-hour travel) 🚆 provide good conditions for climate-friendly public transport. Nevertheless, currently there is a strong dependence on motorized individual transport for many relations 🚗. Join us in supporting Eggenburg’s efforts to transform its energy landscape and lead the way towards a greener, more sustainable future! 🌱🌟 #LifeProgramme #CleanEnergyTransition #LifeAmplified #PLENTYLife #SustainableEnergy #GreenFuture

We are excited to present more information about the first of two Austrian pilot cities in the PLENTY-Life project, the Municipality of Eggenburg 🌍, where we will spearhead innovative sustainable urban planning and energy initiatives🔋. The municipality of Eggenburg is located about 70 km northwest of Vienna at the border of the regions Waldviertel and Weinviertel 🏞️, where the landscape and traditional economic life are characterized by a high share of forestry and agriculture 🌳🚜. With a population of 3,537 inhabitants in 2023, Eggenburg belongs to the smaller towns of Austria 🇦🇹 and is the smallest pilot municipality in the PLENTY-Life project 🌟. Stay tuned for updates as we embark on this exciting journey with Eggenburg, setting the stage for a greener and more sustainable future! 🌿 ✨ #LifePragramme #LifeAmplified #CleanEnergyTransition #PLENTYLife #SustainableUrbanPlanning #GreenFuture

🌟✨ We are delighted that the cities of Horn and Eggenburg in Austria have been selected as pilot cities! 🏙️🇦🇹 This fall, we are preparing a series of workshops in these two cities. Stay tuned, as we will be back soon with details about the upcoming events and cities pilots! 📅🛠️ 🌍💡 #LifeProgramm #CleanEnergyTransition #LifeAmplified #Horn #Eggenburg #Workshops #CapacityBuildings #PilotCities #DiscoverAustria

🗺 Discovering Lugoj: A Gem of Romanian Culture and Heritage Did you know that Lugoj is known for its rich cultural heritage and is often referred to as "the city of musicians" due to its vibrant musical traditions? This nickname reflects the strong artistic community in Lugoj, where music plays a central role in local life. 🎷 One of the highlights of this musical culture is the unique annual event known as the "Lugoj Music Festival." Did you know that this festival attracts artists and music lovers from various genres? It’s a celebration that showcases local talent and brings together people from all over to enjoy exceptional performances. 📌 In addition to its musical prowess, Lugoj is home to significant historical architecture. Did you know that the city has a beautiful baroque-style building known as the "Lugoj Town Hall"? This architectural gem is a significant monument that reflects the city’s rich history and is a must-visit for anyone exploring the area. ☘ Lugoj is also blessed with natural beauty. Did you know that the city is situated at the confluence of the Timiș and Lugoj rivers? This unique location offers picturesque landscapes and numerous recreational opportunities, making it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts. For those with a passion for wine, Lugoj has something special to offer as well. Did you know that the region around Lugoj is famous for its vineyards? It’s a great spot for wine lovers to explore local varieties and indulge in the flavors of this beautiful area. Whether you are a music enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone who appreciates stunning landscapes and fine wine, Lugoj is a destination that promises a delightful experience for all. 🌍 Come and discover the rich tapestry of culture, nature, and history that this remarkable city has to offer! #LifeProgramme #LifeAmplified #CleanEnergyTransition

🌟 Introducing LUGOJ: The Second Romanian Pilot City! 🌟 📍 Geographical and Demographical Context Lugoj is the second largest and most important municipality in Timiș County, situated in the heart of the West Development Region and the Danube-Criș-Mureș-Tisa Euroregion. According to the 2022 Census, Lugoj boasts a population of 44,911 residents. 🌍Nestled in the South-West of Romania within the historical Region of Banat, Lugoj comprises the main locality of Lugoj (the residence) and two associated villages: Tapia and Măguri. The picturesque Timiș River gracefully divides the city into two distinct halves: the vibrant “Romanian Lugoj” on the right bank, and the charming “German Lugoj” on the left bank. Covering an area of 98.03 square kilometers (with 20.35 km² in the built-up area), Lugoj is bordered by various towns and villages, including Boldur, Darova, and Coșteiu. 💼 Economic Landscape The local economy is diverse, with key sectors such as manufacturing (57%), trade (23%), transport and storage (6%), and construction (5%). The manufacturing industry plays a pivotal role, generating over 50% of the municipal turnover and employing more than half of the local workforce. Areas of specialization include the manufacture of ceramic sanitary ware, automotive production, and electrical equipment manufacturing. 🎶 Cultural Significance Known as the “City of Music,” Lugoj has a rich musical heritage. Renowned composers Mozart, Haydn, and Schubert's masses were performed here during their lifetimes. Educationally, Lugoj has a proud history, with its first schools dating back to the 16th–17th centuries, and the first Romanian school in western Romania established in 1770. 🌄 Tourist Potential Lugoj is a gem of a typical Banat town, offering a unique charm at the confluence of plain and hilly terrain, along with historically rich architecture. Visitors can enjoy a wide array of tourism activities, including cultural, ecumenical, business, and sports tourism. ✨ Pilot Objectives As a pilot city, Lugoj is committed to: Reducing CO₂ emissions through improved energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources. Investing in energy efficiency improvements in buildings. Raising community awareness about local energy issues and available solutions. Developing local regulations to promote energy efficiency and renewable resource use. Enhancing public lighting system performance. Conducting periodic public information campaigns. Integrating energy efficiency provisions into technical projects for new municipal buildings. Creating mechanisms to encourage eco-efficient behavior within the community. 💚 Join us in watching Lugoj flourish as it embarks on this exciting journey towards sustainability! #LifeProgramm #CleanEnergyTransition #LifeAmplified #Lugoj #SustainableDevelopment #EcoFriendly #PilotCity #CommunityEngagement

🌟 This week, another fruitful meeting took place! 🌟 During this meeting, we had the opportunity to analyze the data prepared for Lugoj, the second pilot city in Romania. It is fantastic to see the progress we are making together to transform the city into a model of sustainable development! Thank you to everyone involved for their efforts, and we look forward to sharing more information soon! 🚀 #LifeProgramme #CleanEnergyTransition #LifeAmplified #Romania #Lugoj #SustainableDevelopment #Innovation #PilotProject

🗺 Introducing Sânnicolau Mare: Romania's Western Gem Embracing Green Innovation We are proud to share insights about Sânnicolau Mare, our pioneering town making strides as Romania's first pilot for sustainable development! Located in Timiș County, Sânnicolau Mare stands as the third-largest city in the region, following Timișoara and Lugoj. Documented since 1247, this historic town, perched on the Mureș River and just 6 km from the Hungarian border, has a rich past that stretches back even further. With a population of 10,672 as of December 2021 (source: Romanian Census Results), Sânnicolau Mare is a vital part of Timiș County's demographic landscape. The town is nestled in the lower Aranca Plain and is intersected by the Aranca Canal, a testament to its historical significance. 📍 Geographical Context: East: 7 km from Sărăcă Commune South: 12 km from Tomnatic Commune Southwest: 13 km from Nerău Village (Teremia Mare Commune) West: 12 km from Dudestii Vechi Commune Northwest: 6 km from Cenad Commune Sânnicolau Mare is strategically positioned 5 km from Hungary, 26 km from Serbia, and 35 km from Triplex Confinium, where Romania, Hungary, and Serbia converge. Since 2014, Sânnicolau Mare has been a committed signatory of the Covenant of Mayors. This commitment was strengthened with the approval of the Sustainable Energy Action Plan (SEAP) for 2026-2020 on September 28, 2016. The SEAP, endorsed by the Covenant of Mayors in 2017, highlights the town’s dedication to sustainability, aiming to significantly reduce its carbon footprint of 3.52 tonnes of CO2 per capita—a figure already below national and European averages. 🌱 Pilot Objectives: Sânnicolau Mare's operational goal is to enhance environmental quality through efficient energy use and the adoption of green energy. Key objectives include: Efficient Resource Use: - Develop renewable energy production capacity for local public sector needs. - Expand rooftop photovoltaic systems for electricity in residential and public buildings. Building Efficiency: - Invest in energy efficiency improvements for residential and public buildings. Smart Monitoring: - Extend smart meter usage for environmental quality monitoring. - Develop a comprehensive network of smart sensors for real-time environmental data. Green Energy Solutions: - Establish ground-mounted photovoltaic systems for additional green electricity. - Implement smart electricity monitoring and public lighting systems with integrated databases and remote management technologies. Sânnicolau Mare is leading the way in sustainable urban development and green innovation. Let’s celebrate their progress and support their journey towards a greener future! #LifeProgramm #LifeAmplified #CleanEnergyTransition #SustainableDevelopment #GreenEnergy #SmartCities #Romania #Innovation

🚀 Exciting News! 🚀 We are thrilled to announce that the preparation of data for our pilot cities is entering the final stages! 🎉 As we move forward, we are also gearing up for our very first capacity-building event in Romania. Stay tuned for more updates as we work tirelessly to ensure a successful and impactful initiative. Together, we're paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future! 🌍✨ #PilotCities #CapacityBuilding #Romania #SustainableFuture #Teamwork #FinalStages #LifeProgramme #CleanEnergyTransition